Raising the Bar

 

Raising the Bar.

 

The Qualifier Draw is done. Were off to Newry to meet last years All Ireland Finalists. You couldnt raise the bar much higher than that, so lets go. How often have we bemoaned playing the same teams year after year in the National League, wishing we could reach the higher divisions and play with the big boys. Nows our chance, so let us stop talking about a tough draw; about a typical unlucky call for Leitrim; about how it would have been better to be pulled out against London or Antrim or Offaly; about how a local derby with Longford would have been ideal – almost as if we should shiver at the thoughts of Laois or Meath. Or Down! Are Longford trembling at the thought of meeting Tyrone? Not at all, they are licking their lips at the prospect of being pitted against one of the best ever All Ireland winners. Should Leitrim feel otherwise? Dont go on about it being a pity we didnt get Down at home. Páirc Seán is not exactly a Leitrim fortress, we have been bushwhacked there several times; we could design a mural of close calls and last minute defeats on the boundary wall. In Markievicz Park just weeks ago the team played with abandon. The players seemed at ease, there were no hang-ups, they moved the ball quickly, they backed each other up, they went for scores, they were confident on the ball, they rallied when the pressure came on, they won! Everybody talked of a new Leitrim. We were a real part of the 2011 Championship story. Of course we were all wise after the game, saying we knew theyd do it. Loose talk. If we were that sure, wed have been kicking in the doors at the bookies to back them at the 5 to 1 odds. Suddenly we were oozing with confidence and for the game in Carrick we put little value on Roscommon, we were marking our diaries for the Connacht Final. Our plans became unstuck, there was no repetition of the flair displayed against Sligo, many went home disgruntled. We were out of the Connacht Championship and back into the Qualifiers. At least, after the first round games, we could be happy about something “we wont have to keep being reminded that Londons only Championship win was against Leitrim,” away back in the mists of 1977. We will be reminded, of course, that Leitrim has yet to win a Qualifier game and little time was spent by the analysts in predicting who will win in Newry. There could only be one result, Down. Thats what was forecast for their game against Clare too, but they only got out of Ennis by the skin of their teeth. Obviously Clare did not expect to win, as only a handful of die-hard home supporters bothered to turn up. Not a great Act of Faith in their team! A little self-belief is what Mickey Moran, Martin McGowan and Brian Breen will be drilling into their players as they prepare for Newry. Sure theres nothing to lose, just go out and play with the same confidence that they displayed against Sligo, forget about the David and Goliath references, seize the moment, make a piece of history. What an incentive it must be for the players to be lining out against really new opposition, a team that hit the headlines last year, that came so close to bringing Sam back across the border. Thats why every man in a green and gold jersey will be raising the bar.


 

 

30-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran

Under the Radar

Under the Radar

In the weeks after the Sligo game Leitrim was very much in the spotlight, but now we are certainly back under the radar.
Nobody gives us a chance in the Qualifiers; we are written off; no hopers; doesn’€’t matter who we draw; the performance in Markievizc Park was a flash in the pan; Sligo must have been useless.
The nÓgativity is nearly contagious.
What a change from a few weeks ago when every Leitrim supporter stuck out his chest and couldn’€’t wait to see the Rossies get their come-uppance in Carrick. We’€’d show them and about time too.
This feel-good factor caught on nationally. Here was the makings of a great news story. Radio, TV, GAA journalists, feature writers, all wanted a slice of the action; none of them wanted to miss the boat in case Leitrim cruised into a Connacht Final.
Internationally, there was a buzz also. Phone lines, e-mails, texts, facebook, twitter and what have you were all busy. People who were a lifetime gone from the county and the current generation of emigrants, were all making plans, whether to be up early in New York or not to go to bed in Sydney on Sunday June 12th, because they didn’€’t want to miss Leitrim playing live on RTE. Not just highlights, the whole nine yards; for a pleasant change, we were the featured TV match. This was going to be Leitrim’€’s day in every sense of the word.
There was a pep in every step in the county, the recession was the last of our worries, all we talked about was the great win in Sligo and how the team had performed to a man. It was a great three weeks, the lift the GAA in the county needed, we had won a Championship game ‘€’ nobody went crazy talking about All Irelands, we just prayed we’€’d get to another Connacht Final, the team deserved that much, the supporters were happy and upbeat.
Some people say now it would have been better if we had to lose to Sligo. Rubbish. Nobody can take away that victory, nor the quality of play with which it was earned. How could it be better to have lost? For God’€’s sake, are we not bemoaning lost chances long enough? Putting up a good show and being beaten is not the way to go. Of course it was great to beat Sligo.
The RoscommonÓgame was admittedly a disappointment. We can wonder till doomsday about what might have happened if we had elected to play with the elements in the first half. With the wind behind us we might have started better, got a few early scores and then have got the chants of ‘€’Leitrim, Leitrim’€’ behind us also. As it was, the Leitrim supporters never really got into the game ‘€’ a charge we readily make against the players!

These same players that we back-slapped in Markievicz and that we might have disparaged in Pairc Sean, are still in training, hard as ever. That’€’s how it goes, they can’€’t switch off like supporters can. They are working their socks off, preparing for the Qualifiers.
Maybe it’€’s all the better there is little fuss. You never know what might happen if we sneak in under the radar again.

 

 

26-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran

All Ireland Football Qualifiers

Leitrim have been drawn against Down in the All Ireland Football Qualifiers.
Last years beaten All Ireland finalists have home advantage for the meeting
scheduled for the 9th of July. Down were defeated by Armagh in the Ulster
Championship and defeated Clare by one point in Round 1 of the Qualifiers.
Leitrim lost out to Roscommon in the semi final of the Connacht Championship
after their memorable win over Sligo in the quarter finals. The CCC have confirmed the fixture will take place on Saturday 9/7/11 at 3pm in Newry.

All Ireland Qualifiers (Round 2) – first named teams have home advantage.

Down v Leitrim
Limerick v Offaly
Laois v Kildare
Longford v Tyrone
Armagh v Wicklow
Meath v Galway
Antrim v Carlow
London v Waterford

 

 

26-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

The Day After

The Day After

 

Pairc Sean is quiet. It’s just the tidying up to be done, after the visit of over 13,000 spectators, the TV cameras, journalists, commentators and analysts, video operators, photographers, officials, stewards and all those who make up the framework of big match day. We have all left with our own thoughts of what happened and of what might have been.

 

For Leitrim supporters there was the contrast of emotions with the unbridled joy of the win in Markievicz Park, when we all hugged and kissed and licked our lips with the thoughts of having the Rossies come to Carrick.

We owed them one and would take great delight in seeing them scampering back across the bridge, while we geared up for a Connacht Final.

 

There was work to be done first, of course. While most of us focussed on another championship day out, planned for the weekend, arranged to hook up with the gang before the match, sorted the tickets, hung out the flags and joined in the razzmatazz, another group was really rolling up its sleeves and getting dug in.

 

This group was made up of the Leitrim panel, team management, County Board officers, backroom assistants, medical and physio advisers â€â€œ a combination of dedicated, committed, loyal and trusted souls who were determined to give of their all for the Green and Gold, just as they have been doing year after year, proud to be our representatives, whether in the FBD, the Allianz National League, a tournament, a challenge game, but especially in the Championship.

 

Only those close to the scene can fully comprehend the effort made and rather than be critical of players, we should acknowledge that each of them gave of their very best. As the pre-match parade was ending, team captain James Glancy summoned the full panel on to the pitch, so that every player, irrespective of the number on their jersey, could link arms for Amhrán na bhFiann to show they were all very much part of the team. This was a nice gesture, a sign of the solidarity that exists in the squad.

 

The game did not go well, the spark that was there against Sligo somehow failed to ignite, the plans to contain Roscommon against the wind and then turn up the tempo in the second half just never materialised. Even the woodwork went against us, when Cathal McCrann’s brilliant save from Donie Shine crashed off the post and into the net. On another day it would have rebounded elsewhere. Such is your sporting luck.

We were well beaten by a stronger side, by a team that definitely looks capable of retaining the Connacht title. To be fair, there was no taunting or triumphalism by the Rossies, but they certainly deserved any bragging rights. Next time we meet, Sunday will be forgotten and all will be back in the melting pot in the Hyde â€â€œ a much happier hunting ground for Leitrim than Pairc Sean is turning out to be!

 

There were others who worked hard to have everything right for Sunday and special praise must go to those who had the pitch and grounds in such peak condition, despite the most awful weather conditions. Many were busy preparing the Development Squads and Cumann na m-Bunscol teams. Kathy McLoughlin of the Leitrim Gaels Club had her own practicing to do, to be ready to lead the spectators in the singing of the National Anthem, a task she performed to perfection. The Glencar Manorhamilton Rince Fóirne group put in busy hours also and demonstrated just why they are All Ireland Scór Champions. There were preparations in Kiltubrid also, as the members of St. Brigid’s Pipe Band honed their musical and marching skills.

 

Remember too the concerted efforts of the County Board officers, so ably led by Cathaoirleach Joe Flynn and Runaí Diarmuid Sweeney â€â€œ so much unseen work has to be done and will continue to have to be done day after day, week after week, irrespective of wins or losses.

 

Yes, Pairc Sean will be quiet for a day or two, but then the markers and the bollards and the water bottles and the footballs will be back again. As will the players, as they try to put the RoscommonÓgame behind them and set their sights on the Qualifiers. There is an incentive in that too. You never know, we might draw the winners of the Longford-Cavan clash and then the local rivalry would be as strong as ever.

 

Some Leitrim followers could be heard muttering as they left in the rain on Sunday â€Å“Never againâ€Â. They don’t mean a bit of it. Come the Qualifiers, their Green and Gold blood will have them on the road once more â€â€œ sure the players never needed support more than they do now,

 

 

13-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran

Neighbourhood Watch!

Neighbourhood Watch

 

 

As it gurgles out from deep underground on the Cuilcagh Mountains, the Shannon River has no idea of the effect it has on life in Ireland. It is written of in song and story, it drains and floods in turn, it is the powerhouse for hundreds of boats and cruisers, it entertains many a hopeful angler, its route is mapped on countless brochures, it has attracted thousands of visitors to its banks and it has been photographed and painted for generations. Like the river itself, its story could go on and on.

 

But all of this pales into insignificance compared to the effect it has on what colour of jersey we will be wearing on our way to Páirc Seán on Sunday June 12th. Will we be decked out in green and gold or will we be sporting the primrose and blue?

 

It depends on which side of the Shannon we first saw light of day. Was it in Cootehall or Leitrim Village, Cortober or Bridge Street, MahanÓgh or Mount Allen, Bornacoola or across the bridge in Rooskey, Drumsna or Kilmore; you could throw a stone from one into the other, but there is a very distinct dotted line somewhere on a map that makes all the difference. Were either Leitrim or Roscommon and no one will ever change that.

 

The Shannon shouldnt have to take all the blame, for the border in places is just a laneway or a gripe. Sean and Charlie Flynn could run out their front door at Cartron Beg on the Drumkeerin road and jump into Roscommon, but two more committed Leitrim supporters you couldnt find. When the Connacht Champions of 1994 toured the county with the Nestor Cup, hadnt the Flynns the biggest bonfire in Leitrim burning especially brightly just to tease the Roscommon neighbours!

 

There will be lots of cross-border teasing in the run up to the big game in Carrick.

Wait till we get ye in Carrick – Look what we did to Sligo.

What did we do to Sligo last year? Ye havent a hope!

So the banter will go on at the mart, in the pubs, in the Observer, on Shannonside, everywhere. A sort of civil war will break out in families that inter-married across the great divide, in some gardens both flags will fly side by side.

 

There will be plenty of hype and great expectation. Roscommon will repeat and repeat how they always fear coming to Páirc Seán, but deep down they will presume they will win again, noting that records show they have always left with a victory; Leitrim will say its time to draw a line in the sand – no point in putting up a good show but being on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

 

Roscommon will be buoyed by the thoughts of the St. Brigids backbone in their team, but James Glancy will be reminding Leitrim that the Glencar Manorhamilton contingent provides one equally strong, as the Connacht Club Championship game showed last Autumn man for man the fifteen on each side have very little between them, so it all to play for.

 

Páirc Seán will be a mass of colour as Dessie Foley steers the Kiltubrid Pipe Band around the pitch in the pre-match parade, past the Lurganboys on Tour banner behind the lower goals, in those tense moments before Amhrán na bhFiann and the throw-in. We will even have colour television!

 

But whose cheeks will be the rosiest with pride at about half three on Sunday 12th, as they head home to gloat at their neighbours a few yards away on the other bank of the Shannon?

 

 

 

 

09-Jun-11 by Tommy Moran – Connacht PRO

TV3 Coverage

 

Carrick on Shannon hosts ‘The GAA Show’

 

This week ‘The GAA Show’ comes from Carrick on Shannon in County Leitrim.  Kieran McSweeney visited Mickey Moran and his panel as they prepare for their Connacht semi-final against reigning provincial champions Roscommon.

 

Sinéad Kissane is with the Limerick hurlers.  Donal O’Grady’s Allianz League Division 2 champions face Waterford in the Munster semi final.

 

We look back at a classic Kilkenny/Wexford clash from the past in Video Vault; Westmeath goalkeeper Gary Connaughton is the centre of attention on Team Talk; we’ve all the week’s team news in Around the Counties; and our Panel Beaters (Glenda Gilson, Stephen Hunt, Sean Connell and the Irish Daily Star Sports’ Desk) give us their forecast for the weekend’s games.

 

That’s all on ‘The GAA Show’ on this Friday, June 10th at 18.30 on 3e and midnight on TV3.

 

 

 

09-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Roscommon team to play Leitrim

Roscommon name an unchanged team from the side that defeated New York in the opening round. 

1 Geoffrey Claffey (Castlerea – St. Kevins)

2 Seán McDermott (Western Gaels)
3 Peter Domican (Capt) (St. Brigids)
4 Niall Carty (Padraig Pearses)

5 Ian Kilbride (St. Brigids)
6 David Keenan (St. Barrys)
7 Donal Ward (Western Gaels)

8 Michael Finneran (St. Dominics)
9 Karol Mannion (St. Brigids)

10 Senan O’Grady (St. Faithleachs)
11 Kevin Higgins (Western Gaels)
12 Cathal Cregg (Western Gaels)

13 Conor Devanney (Kilbride)
14 Senan Kilbride (St. Brigids)
15 Donie Shine (Clann na nGael)

16 Mark Miley (St. Dominic)
17 Stephen Ormsby (St. Faithleachs)
18 James McKeague (Creggs)
19 Seamus O’Neill (Kilbride)
20 Ger HenÓghan (Castlerea – St. Kevins)
21 John Rogers (Strokestown)
22 Paul Garvey (Kilmore)
23 Niall Daly (Padriag Pearses)
24 Enda Kenny (Castlerea – St. Kevins)
25 Darren McDermott (Castlerea – St. Kevins)
26 Seán Purcell (Boyle)

 

 

09-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim team to play Roscommon

LEITRIM TEAM TO PLAY ROSCOMMON IN THE CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINAL.

This Sunday (12th June, 2011) at 2.00 pm in Páirc Seán, Carrick on Shannon.

Mickey Moran has named an unchanged side for this weekends meeting with reigning Connacht Champions Roscommon in the Connacht Football Championship semi final.

Liatroim

1 Cathal McCrann (Gortletteragh) 

2 Dermot Reynolds (Annaduff)

3 RonanÓgallagher (Mohill)

4 Paddy Maguire (Glencar Manorhamilton)

5 Barry Prior (Aughawillan)

6 Gary Reynolds (Carrigallen)

7 Wayne McKeon (Ballinamore Sean OHeslins)

8 Tomás Beirne (Eslin)

9 Daniel Lowe (St Marys) 

10 Paul Brennan (Melvin Gaels)

11 Emlyn Mulligan (Melvin Gaels)

12 Robert Lowe (St Marys)

13 Adrian Croal (Glencar Manorhamilton)

14 Conor Beirne (Eslin)

15 James Glancy Capt (Glencar Manorhamilton) 


BEST OF LUCK TO THE TEAM AND MAnÓgEMENT.

 

 

 

 

08-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Leitrim team to play Roscommon

The Leitrim team to play Roscommon in the Connacht Football Championship Semi Final will be released on this website tomorrow morning (Wednesday 8th).

 

Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi Final

Leitrim v Roscommon

Sunday 12th June 2011 at 2pm in Páirc Seán.

 

 

07-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Ticketing Information Leitrim v Roscommon

Connacht GAA Football Championship:

Sunday 12th June 2011
Venue: Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, Carrick on Shannon.
Senior: Leitrim vs. Roscommon 2pm
Development Squads: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 12noon

Ticket Prices:
Seating- €30
Sideline seating- €25 
Terrace €20
Children €5 (Under 16)
Group passes available from Connacht GAA office
Students can get refund of €10 on Sideline Seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue
OAPs can get refund of €10 on Stand, Sideline seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue.

Tickets can be sourced from;

  • Connacht GAA Office

Address: Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
Ph: (094) 9630335
Email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie

  • Leitrim County Board,

address: Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
email: secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie
phone: (071) 9620441

  • Roscommon County Board

address: 5-6 Castle View, Roscommon 
email: administrator.roscommon GAA.ie
phone: (090) 6627176
www.gaaroscommon.ie

  • Tickets also available from clubs in the competing counties.

  • Tickets can also be sourced from www.tickets.ie

  • Supervalu Ticket Outlets

Thursday 9th June- Roscommon
Duffy, Supervalu, Ballaghadereen 4.30-7pm

Friday 10th June- Leitrim & Roscommon

  • Donohue Supervalu, Ballinamore 12-2.30pm

  • Kellys Supervalu, Boyle 12-2.30pm

  • Cahill Supervalu, Castlerea 4.30-7pm

  • Smith, Supervalu, Monksland 4.30-7pm

Saturday 11th June –

  • Fleming Supervalu- Roscommon town 11am-1pm

  • Glancy Supervalu, Carrick-on-Shannon 11am-1pm

 

For further information contact Connacht GAA Council Offices;
Phone: 094)9630335
email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie 

 

 

 

07-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Ticketing Information Leitrim v Roscommon

Connacht Championship:

Sunday 12th June 2011

Connacht Football Championship 2011

Venue: Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, Carrick on Shannon.

Senior: Leitrim vs. Roscommon 2pm

Development Squads: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 12noon

Ticket Prices:

Seating- €30

Sideline seating- €25

Terrace €20

Children €5 (Under 16)

Group passes available from Connacht GAA office

Students can get refund of €10 on Sideline Seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue

OAPs can get refund of €10 on Stand, Sideline seating or Terrace Tickets with valid ID at Ticket kiosk at the venue.

Tickets can be sourced from;      

Connacht GAA Office

Address: Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Ph: (094) 9630335

Email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie

Leitrim County Board,
address: Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
email: secretary.leitrim@gaa.ie

phone: (071) 9620441

Roscommon County Board
address: 5-6 Castle View, Roscommon
email: administrator.roscommon GAA.ie

phone: (090) 6627176

www.gaaroscommon.ie

Tickets also available from clubs in the competing counties.

Tickets can also be sourced from www.tickets.ie

Tickets will also be on sale at selected Supervalu outlets in the competing counties, see www.connachtgaa.ie for details.

Supervalu Ticket Outlets- Connacht Championship 2011

Sunday 12th June 2011

Pairc Sean MacDiarmuida, Carrick-on-Shannon

Senior: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 2pm

Dev: Leitrim vs. Roscommon at 12noon 

Thursday 9th June– Roscommon

Duffy, Supervalu, Ballaghadereen 4.30-7pm

Friday 10th June– Leitrim & Roscommon

Donohue Supervalu, Ballinamore 12-2.30pm

Kellys Supervalu, Boyle 12-2.30pm

Cahill Supervalu, Castlerea 4.30-7pm 

Smith, Supervalu, Monksland 4.30-7pm

Saturday 11th June –

Fleming Supervalu- Roscommon town 11am-1pm

Glancy Supervalu, Carrick-on-Shannon 11am-1pm

For further information contact Connacht GAA Council Offices;

Phone: 094)9630335

email: reception.connacht@gaa.ie

 

 

 

01-Jun-11 by Colette Fox – PRO

Club Stewards for Connacht Football Semi Final

Coiste Chontae Liatroma are honoured to host the Connacht Football Championship semi final between Leitrim and Roscommon on Sunday the 12 June. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our facilities at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada and within Arás Mhic Samhrain. 

Accordingly, clubs are asked to kindly furnish names of two members of their club who are willing to officiate as stewards within the grounds on Sunday 12th June. Club stewards will be required to attend for briefing at 10.30am on Sunday the 12th and will have completed their duties by 3.45pm. Note: stewards may not wear County colours.  Please contact your club officers if you are willing to officiate.

This game is scheduled for 2pm.

 

 

27-May-11 by Colette Fox – PRO